The Minnesota Timberwolves have long held Jaden McDaniels in high regard. Leading up to the trade deadline, McDaniels was viewed as virtually untouchable, with him only possibly being moved for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Thus far in the playoffs, McDaniels has lived up to this high bar and proved that he is an essential part of the Wolves' future.
Recently, Marc Stein discussed how extremely hesitant the Wolves were to trade McDaniels, even for Giannis.Â
"Minnesota did make a very concerted effort to try to get Giannis at the deadline... But every time Jake and I wrote about the Wolves trying to get into the sweepstakes for Giannis, 'but they don't want to trade Jaden McDaniels. Obviously not Ant as well, but Jaden McDaniels is the last guy they want to put in this deal.' And he had that kind of series; he was that good." Stein said.Â
The Milwaukee Bucks might never have been truly serious about trading Giannis at the deadline. Nevertheless, before the playoffs, plenty of folks could have poked fun at the Wolves' generally viewing McDaniels as an untouchable, and especially their hesitancy to include him in a deal for Giannis.
After the first-round series he just had, though, it's safe to say the Timberwolves have been vindicated for viewing McDaniels as an indispensable piece to their core.Â
Jaden McDaniels is proving why he's untouchable
McDaniels' two-way impact has always been a vital part of the Wolves' success, but he reached new heights on offense this season, averaging 14.8 points in the regular season.Â
In the first-round, McDaniels proved he can be a legitimate co-star, averaging 17.8 points, including a career-high 32 points in a closeout Game 6. McDaniels' ability to scale up his production in the wake of injuries to Anthony Edwards, Ayo Dosunmu, and Donte DiVincenzo highlights his tremendous value.Â
He has improved immensely as a shot creator and ball-handler this season. McDaniels is straight up an elite finisher, and he exposed the Denver Nuggets' poor rim protection last round. Additionally, he has a smooth pull-up mid-range jumper and shot a career-best 42.1 percent from 3-point range in the regular season.Â
At just 25, it's fair to expect we still haven't seen the best of McDaniels, and one day he could be a clear-cut No. 2 option next to Ant.Â
Crucially, McDaniels remains an elite defender. Last round, he limited Jamal Murray to 31.9 percent, which, paired with his offensive impact, was a key reason why the Wolves pulled off a first-round upset.Â
Having a perimeter defender who takes stars out of games and an offensive player who can provide a high level of secondary creation is infinitely valuable.Â
You simply don't trade guys like this, especially when they still have another level to reach. Even for a superstar, you don't trade a two-way monster like McDaniels, who has proven to be a perfect fit for this team.
Overall, I think everyone has now realized just how important McDaniels is to the Timberwolves, and it's cemented his untouchable label.Â
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